Sir Peter Jackson to design WWI museum

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Sir Peter Jackson will design a new World War I museum at Wellington's Dominion Building.

The move was announced at the building this morning, with Sir Peter saying with the last veteran gone it was appropriate for New Zealander to commemorate the soldiers' achievements a century ago.

"This museum will not cover the strategies of the generals but will deal with what life was like for both the Kiwi soldier leaving their families to fight a foreign war on the other side of the world, and for those left behind."

The museum will be only temporary, opening in April next year to coincide with completion of the nearby extended memorial park over Buckle St. It will remain open throughout centenary period to 2019.

Prime Minister John Key said the Government and local council would spend a combined $7 million on the project but would aim for additional financial help.